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Make It Easy:  oil cloth and linseed  |
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GreenMeAlison
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Alison
Longmont
CO
USA
11 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 30 2009 : 6:04:46 PM
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Hi All! I am new here and looking for tips on a project. I just visited a friends organic farm in CA. They do a CSA and host a bunch of events and need new oil cloth table cloths (there's are old and faded). While there I thought it would be cool to make one and lo and behold I get home to an issue of Mary Janes Farm (sent by my MIL) and there are instructions to make one...
I can sew, so hemming is fine, but I have never worked with linseed oil and I am a little apprehensive of the flammability issue. Anyone out there actually made an oil cloth? What brand of linseed oil do you use? Is it really better to hem the edge after you oil it? Why not hem it before? What else am I missing?
My hosts were so gracious I would love to send them a hand made oil cloth to use this summer! 
Suburban tree hugger with three hearts: one on the farm, one in the city, and one in the woods! |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2009 : 7:38:44 PM
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Hi Alison! I haven't yet tried making the oil cloth, though I plan on it. I can't answer you question, but maybe your local hardward store could tell you.
I have a stash of vintage table clothes and will try using one of those, I like the fact that it is already hemmed. I know the directions in MJ's magazine said to hem it after, I think before would be better. Have fun, and let me know how you fair. I won't be able to try it till next week. Hope we both have success!
For tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord just for today.
St. Augustine
#440 |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2009 : 07:38:27 AM
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The big thing to remember is to use the regular linseed oil _NOT_ the Boiled Linseed. Boiled Linseed has chemical additives that are poisonous.
Welcome to the Forum, Alison!! |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2009 : 6:27:33 PM
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good tip Alee!
For tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord just for today.
St. Augustine
#440 |
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GreenMeAlison
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Alison
Longmont
CO
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2009 : 7:29:51 PM
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Thanks everyone for your ideas/enthusiasm!
I've been doing some research into old methods for oil cloth and also the differences between boiled and raw linseed. The trick apparently with the raw is that it takes for ever to dry and can remain tacky...not so good for a table cloth! On the flip side, nearly every commercial "boiled" linseed is full of toxic/poisonous chemicals, such as lead. I did however find a Swedish linseed oil that is organic "boiled" and purified and has no toxic additives. I ordered some and I'll do a test run when it gets here...I promise to update with my results. I will also do a test run with some raw linseed. I plan to make sandwich wraps for my test, so I won't waste too much fabric if it doesn't work!
Suburban tree hugger with three hearts: one on the farm, one in the city, and one in the woods! |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2009 : 8:15:15 PM
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Alison - where did you find the Swedish oil? I will be anxious to know how it all turns out
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - May 04 2009 : 7:56:19 PM
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Dang! The Linseed oil I got is boiled. I quess this means a trip to the dump to recyle it.
I would like to know where you got your swedish oil as well, Alison.
For tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord just for today.
St. Augustine
#440 |
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GreenMeAlison
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Alison
Longmont
CO
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2009 : 06:40:04 AM
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I ordered my linseed from these guys (its not cheap!):
http://www.solventfreepaint.com/cleaned_linseed_oil.htm
I emailed and asked if it is food safe. They replied that their area of expertise is wood care/restoration and so they can't comment on food safe/oil cloth appropriateness of the oil; however, it is pure linseed and non toxic, so I am giving it a try. I let you know when I get and see what the bottle actually says!
Julia -- if you have any older wood products around -- a tennis racket, barrel, fence, etc. you might consider using your linseed oil on that -- the toxins supposedly evaporate when it is used (they help it to dry faster). It just makes it not food safe...on the other hand they have to go somewhere when they evaporate...
Suburban tree hugger with three hearts: one on the farm, one in the city, and one in the woods! |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2009 : 7:40:23 PM
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Thanks for the info, Alison. Your right, it does have to go somewhere. That is something that always concerns me, even when I recycle things properly. How do 'they' dispose of it? Such a dilema!
For tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord just for today.
St. Augustine
#440 |
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Make It Easy: oil cloth and linseed |
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oil cloth and linseed
